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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Down To Earth

The Future Of Mt. Spokane

How did a season go by without news of Mt. Spokane? Sheesh. First, a disclaimer: I love Mt. Spokane and it was one of our featured "Seven Wonders." But a while back, it received the fifth worst environmental scorecard rating for a ski resort in the west. It was specifically faulted for not protecting an endangered species habitat with a proposed expansion that runs through a wildlife corridor, potentially harming lynx and wolverine. That battle continues and now the Land Council is hoping you'll weigh in:

Mt. Spokane is Washington States largest state park, with a mission to "acquire, operate, enhance and protect a diverse system of recreational, cultural, historical and natural sites” in an effort to leave a valued legacy to future generations.”  The Lands Council believes a proposed expansion into old growth and native forest on the northwest side tips the balance against that mission.























Image courtesy of Out There Monthly.

Over the years, the ski area on Mt Spokane has grown, from a few rope tows and the worlds first double chair lift, to a large operation that covers 2/3 of the upper mountain. Our area of concern is the undeveloped northwest side, which contains old growth groves and countless streams and springs. The loss of this native forest on the west and northwest slopes of Mt. Spokane would impact birds and wildlife year around and eliminate the solitude that the backside is known for. This area is currently being managed as a defacto Natural Forest Area – we would like it permanently protected.

The Lands Council would like the ski area to be successful and financially viable operation, but not at the expense of fragmenting the last remaining large intact native forests near Spokane.  We are also concerned that the investments in the new lift, buildings, and runs would take away from needed repairs to the lodge, water system and parking lots – and likely cause higher lift ticket prices.

Your Help is Needed to Protect Mt. Spokane

Come to the Public Workshop

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is holding a workshop on the ski expansion.

The workshop is at 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, in Sub Lounge AB& in building 17 at Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Dr,  Spokane.
Write a letter by March 21

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is accepting public comment on the conceptual expansion of the Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park into the natural area on the northwest side of the mountain. Documents relating to the proposal have been posted on the State Parks website at http://www.parks.wa.gov/plans/mtspokane2/.   Maps, documents, and letters regarding the expansion can be found at www.savemtspokane.org

Send your letter to: randy.kline@parks.wa.gov or mail to:

Nata Hurst, Administrative Assistant 3
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650

Comment Letter Talking Points:

Indicate that you are submitting comments on the Mount Spokane Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area (PASEA) Conceptual Proposal.

Describe how the ski area expansion will impact your enjoyment of Mt. Spokane and list the winter and/or summer activities that you enjoy at Mt. Spokane State Park.

The natural forests on the west and northwest slopes of Mt. Spokane provide wildlife habitat, recreational hiking, snowshoeing, back country skiing, birding and other activities 365 days a year. The impacts of expanding the ski area are too great to trade off fragmenting this unique forest habitat for winter recreation lasting only 90-120 days. Cutting ski runs and building chair lifts requires clearing all vegetation and will forever alter the scenic beauty of this unique forest ecosystem. 

The ski area expansion will fragment the last remaining large intact native forests near Spokane, which is inconsistent with Washington State Parks’ mission.

This rare sub-alpine intact native forest ecosystem provides important habitat and corridors for wildlife.

The natural beauty of the west and northwest side of the mountain is a backdrop for our community, one that would be forever altered by the expansion.

Improvements needed to the existing ski area – The existing ski area facility is in great need of repairs and upgrades. All building are in need of paint and remodeling, new lift houses need to be build, and parking and other infrastructure improvements are needed. These improvements should be a top priority for Mt. Spokane 2000.

Thank you for taking the time to support balanced use of our Mt Spokane State Park while protecting the Natural Forest Area.  Please send comments or questions to Mike Petersen mpetersen@landcouncil.org


Down To Earth

The DTE blog is committed to reporting and sharing environmental news and sustainability information from across the Inland Northwest.